Multifunctional Nanocomposites Research Articles

Multifunctional Antimonene-Silver Nanocomposites for Ultra-Multi-Mode and Multi-Analyte Sensing, Parallel and Batch Logic Computing, Long-Text Information Protection.

To simulate life's emergent functions, mining the multiple sensing capabilities of nanosystems, and digitizing networks of transduction signals and molecular interactions, is an ongoing endeavor. Here, multifunctional antimonene-silver nanocomposites (AM-Ag NCs) are synthesized facilely and fused for molecular sensing and digitization applications (including ultra-multi-mode and multi-analyte sensing, parallel and batch logic computing, long-text information protection). By mixing surfactant, AM, Ag+ and Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) at room temperature for 5min, the resulting NCs are comprised of Ag nanoparticles scattered within AM nanosheets and protected by the surfactant. Interestingly, AM-Ag NCs exhibit ultra-multi-mode sensing ability for multiplex metal ions (Hg2+, Fe3+, or Al3+), which significantly improved selectivity (≈2 times) and sensitivity (≈400 times) when analyzing the combined channels. Moreover, multiple sensing capabilities of AM-Ag NCs enable diverse batch and parallel molecular logic computations (including advanced cascaded logic circuits). Ultra-multi-mode selective patterns of AM-Ag NCs to 18 kinds of metal ions can be converted into a series of binary strings by setting the thresholds, and realized high-density, long-text information protection for the first time. This study provides new ideas and paradigms for the preparation and multi-purpose application of 2D nanocomposites, but also offers new directions for the fusion of molecular sensing and informatization.

Preparation, anticorrosion and antifouling behavior of halloysite-loaded nanocomposite with CAP and BTA

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to prepare a multifunctional nanocomposite that is slow-release and resistant to seawater corrosion and biofouling corrosion and to explore the synergistic effect between the two corrosion inhibitors. Design/methodology/approach The morphology, structure and release properties of CAP@HNTs, BTA@HNTs and CAP/BTA@HNTs were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, specific surface area analysis and UV spectrophotometry. The corrosion resistance and antimicrobial properties were investigated by electrochemical measurements and bioinhibition rate tests, and the synergistic effect between the two corrosion inhibitors was explored by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Findings The CAP/BTA@HNTs are responsive to acidic environments and have significantly improved antibacterial and corrosion resistance compared with CAP@HNTs and BTA@HNTs. CAP and BTA have a positive synergistic effect on anticorrosion and antifouling. Originality/value Two types of inhibitors, anticorrosion and antifouling, were loaded into the same nanocontainer to prepare a slow-releasable and multifunctional nanocomposite with higher resistance to seawater corrosion and biocorrosion and to explore the synergistic effect of CAP and BTA on corrosion resistance.

Fire-retardant anti-microbial robust wood nanocomposite capable of fire-warning by graded-penetration impregnation

Wood, renowned for its sustainability, specific strength, and thermal insulation, stands as a highly sought-after sustainable structural material. However, the inherent flammability, decay susceptibility, and inadequate mechanical strength hinder its practical applications in high-rise buildings. Here, we report a groundbreaking solution to fabricate multi-functional fire-retardant wood (M-FRW) through a coupled delignification/impregnation procedure followed by densification treatment. The GO/BA created a hybridized network on the M-FRW surface, while BA molecules penetrated the wood cell. As-created M-FRW exhibits a superior flame retardancy due to the physical barrier and catalytic charring effect of GO/BA, as reflected by an ultrahigh limiting oxygen index value of >75 % and an 85 % reduction in the peak of heat release rate compared to natural wood. Furthermore, the GO/BA layer of M-FRW has a sensitive fire alarm response and ultralong alarm time (∼11280 s). More impressively, M-FRW exhibits an exceptional ability to inhibit decay fungi, mold fungi, and common bacteria due to the superimposed anti-microbial effect of GO and BA. Additionally, M-FRW shows desirable mechanical and thermal insulation properties. This work provides a facile strategy to fabricate a multi-functional advanced wood nanocomposite, making them hold great potential for various engineering applications, such as intelligent buildings.

Recent Progress in Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials for Flame Retardance and Fire-Warning Applications.

Graphene-like 2D nanomaterials, such as graphene, MXene, molybdenum disulfide, and boron nitride, present a promising avenue for eco-friendly flame retardants. Their inherent characteristics, including metal-like conductivity, high specific surface area, electron transport capacity, and solution processability, make them highly suitable for applications in both structural fire protection and fire alarm systems. This review offers an up-to-date exploration of advancements in flame retardant composites, utilizing pristine graphene-like nanosheets, versatile graphene-like nanosheets with multiple functions, and collaborative systems based on these nanomaterials. Moreover, graphene-like 2D nanomaterials exhibit considerable potential in the development of early fire alarm systems, enabling timely warnings. This review provides an overview of flame-retarding and fire-warning mechanisms, diverse multifunctional nanocomposites, and the evolving trends in the development of fire alarm systems anchored in graphene-like 2D nanomaterials and their derivatives. Ultimately, the existing challenges and prospective directions for the utilization of graphene-like 2D nanomaterials in flame retardant and fire-warning applications are put forward.

Green preparation of versatile silver-based nanocomposites using whole biomass-based Tannin-Furfural as raw materials

Phenolic resin (PR) nanomaterials, which serve as excellent carriers for precious metals, are typically synthesized via the cross-linked reaction of phenol and formaldehyde, and both are toxic. Therefore, replacing them with whole biomass-based materials is an attractive alternative; however, it has proven to be a significant challenge. In this study, we successfully prepared versatile Ag-based resin nanocomposites (referred to as TFR@Ag) by utilizing whole biomass-based tannin and furfural as raw feedstock. The resulting TFR nanospheres exhibited high stability and uniformity, with tunable sizes ranging from 280 to 1430 nm by adjusting the amount of ammonia used in the synthesis process. Importantly, compared to traditional PR nanospheres, the novel and environmentally friendly TFR nanospheres possess abundant phenolic-OH groups that significantly enhance their adsorption, reduction and chelation capacity for Ag+. The highest loading amount of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) achieved was up to 60.3 wt% with a size of only 10.6 nm. The as-obtained TFR@Ag nanocomposites demonstrated excellent catalytic activity in treating typical hazardous dye-containing wastewater. As catalyst, the 0.4 mg TFR@Ag were capable of achieving full reduction of 2 mL 40 mg·mL−1 methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) in just one minute, exhibiting reaction rate constants of 1.71 min−1 and 2.40 min−1, respectively. Moreover, as antibacterial agents, the TFR@Ag nanocomposite effectively inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) with a bacterial inhibition rate close to 100 %. This work presents a new strategy for green synthesis of multi-functional Ag-based nanocomposites that hold great potential in various fields such as catalysis, nanomaterials science and biomedicine.

Equimolar As4S4/Fe3O4 Nanocomposites Fabricated by Dry and Wet Mechanochemistry: Some Insights on the Magnetic-Fluorescent Functionalization of an Old Drug.

Multifunctional nanocomposites from an equimolar As4S4/Fe3O4 cut section have been successfully fabricated from coarse-grained bulky counterparts, employing two-step mechanochemical processing in a high-energy mill operational in dry- and wet-milling modes (in an aqueous solution of Poloxamer 407 acting as a surfactant). As was inferred from the X-ray diffraction analysis, these surfactant-free and surfactant-capped nanocomposites are β-As4S4-bearing nanocrystalline-amorphous substances supplemented by an iso-compositional amorphous phase (a-AsS), both principal constituents (monoclinic β-As4S4 and cubic Fe3O4) being core-shell structured and enriched after wet milling by contamination products (such as nanocrystalline-amorphous zirconia), suppressing their nanocrystalline behavior. The fluorescence and magnetic properties of these nanocomposites are intricate, being tuned by the sizes of the nanoparticles and their interfaces, dependent on storage after nanocomposite fabrication. A specific core-shell arrangement consisted of inner and outer shell interfaces around quantum-confined nm-sized β-As4S4 crystallites hosting a-AsS, and the capping agent is responsible for the blue-cyan fluorescence in as-fabricated Poloxamer capped nanocomposites peaking at ~417 nm and ~442 nm, while fluorescence quenching in one-year-aged nanocomposites is explained in terms of their destroyed core-shell architectures. The magnetic co-functionalization of these nanocomposites is defined by size-extended heterogeneous shells around homogeneous nanocrystalline Fe3O4 cores, composed by an admixture of amorphous phase (a-AsS), nanocrystalline-amorphous zirconia as products of contamination in the wet-milling mode, and surfactant.

A facile cleaner approach towards the synthesis of silver-doped cardanol-based hydrophobic antimicrobial and anticorrosive polymeric coating material

This work reports the solvent, catalyst and cross-linker free green synthesis of silver (Ag)-doped cardanol-based multifunctional polymer nanocomposite (PNC) coatings. The interaction of Ag ions with the polymeric backbone and in-situ formation of nanoparticles (NP) was confirmed by various characterization techniques. The optimum curing temperature (120-170oC) and Ag concentration (1%) required for the free-standing film/coating with durable mechanical and chemical resistant properties in acidic/basic/salt solutions was studied. The high gel content (degree of crosslinking, 98%) and thermal stability up to 345 °C endorse the formulation of a well-cross-linked polymeric film/coating. XRD (approx. 27 nm) indicated the formation of crystalline silver nanoparticles within the polymer matrix, whereas SEM and TEM explored the distribution (200-700 nm). EIS studies for three weeks in 3.5% NaCl solution showed the exceptional corrosion inhibition efficiency (98-91%) of the coatings on steel substrate. The stable coating resistance value (MΩ.cm-2) throughout the study highlights the formation of a hydrophobic barrier with good resistance against the corrosive ions. Additionally, the potent antibacterial impact against Gram-positive, and Gram-negative bacteria, and the antifungal activity of the nanocomposite were attributed to the presence of Ag in the PNC. The multifunctional properties arise from the in-situ formed nanostructure and its synergistic effect with the biopolymer matrix projects its versatile industrial application.

In-situ growth of CeO2 on biofilms: Innovative nanoparticles for photothermal therapy & multi-pronged attack on Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is complex and multifactorial, and its pathogenesis involves multiple factors and processes. This study pioneered the in situ growth of cerium oxide nanoparticles on macrophage membranes (Ce-RAW). Further, carbon quantum dots (CQD) were biomimetically modified by Ce-RAW, leading to the synthesis of a multifunctional nanocomposite (CQD-Ce-RAW). Within the framework of this research, CQD-Ce-RAW was strategically combined with photothermal therapy (PTT), aiming to achieve a more significant therapeutic effect. The macrophage membrane confers the system with anti-phagocytic and anti-inflammatory biological functions. More importantly, the ultra-small size of cerium oxide grown on the membrane acts as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger and alleviates the degree of oxidative stress. Meanwhile, CQD as a photosensitizer helps dissociate amyloid-β (Aβ) aggregates and chelates excess copper ions, thus further inhibiting Aβ aggregation. Cell experiments showed that CQD-Ce-RAW combined with PTT could effectively degrade and inhibit the aggregation of Aβ, remove ROS, and improve cell survival rate. The results of in vivo photothermal experiments demonstrated that near-infrared light enhanced the efficiency of drug penetration through the blood-brain barrier and facilitated its accumulation in brain tissue. This comprehensive therapeutic approach can intervene in the disease progression from multiple pathways, providing a new prospect for treating AD.

A multifunctional cellulose nanocomposite with targeted fluorescence imaging and photothermal effects on breast cancer cells

A multifunctional cellulose nanocomposite with targeted fluorescence imaging and photothermal effects on breast cancer cells

Composite of KLVFF-Transthyretin-Penetratin and Manganese Dioxide Nanoclusters: A Multifunctional Agent against Alzheimer's β-Amyloid Fibrillogenesis.

Design of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) inhibitors is considered an effective strategy for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the limited blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration and poor Aβ-targeting capability restricts the therapeutic efficiency of candidate drugs. Herein, we have proposed to engineer transthyretin (TTR) by fusion of the Aβ-targeting peptide KLVFF and cell-penetrating peptide Penetratin to TTR, and derived a fusion protein, KLVFF-TTR-Penetratin (KTP). Moreover, to introduce the scavenging activity for reactive oxygen species (ROS), a nanocomposite of KTP and manganese dioxide nanoclusters (KTP@MnO2) was fabricated by biomineralization. Results revealed that KTP@MnO2 demonstrated significantly enhanced inhibition on Aβ aggregation as compared to TTR. The inhibitory effect was increased from 18%, 33%, and 49% (10, 25, and 50 μg/mL TTR, respectively) to 52%, 81%, and 100% (10, 25, and 50 μg/mL KTP@MnO2). In addition, KTP@MnO2 could penetrate the BBB and target amyloid plaques. Moreover, multiple ROS, including hydroxyl radicals, superoxide radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and Aβ-induced-ROS, which cannot be scavenged by TTR, were scavenged by KTP@MnO2, thus resulting in the mitigation of cellular oxidative damages. More importantly, cell culture and in vivo experiments with AD nematodes indicated that KTP@MnO2 at 50 μg/mL increased the viability of Aβ-treated cells from 66% to more than 95%, and completely cleared amyloid plaques in AD nematodes and extended their lifespan by 7 d. Overall, despite critical aspects such as the stability, metabolic distribution, long-term biotoxicity, and immunogenicity of the nanocomposites in mammalian models remaining to be investigated, this work has demonstrated the multifunctionality of KTP@MnO2 for targeting Aβ in vivo, and provided new insights into the design of multifunctional nanocomposites of protein-metal clusters against AD.

Fabrication of multifunctional composite nanofibrous membranes for antibacterial, waterproof, and broad-range microwave absorption properties

The scientific community has shown great interest in high-performance multifunctional nanomembranes due to their increasing demand. Nevertheless, the development of multifunctional composite nanofibrous membranes faces a limitation in achieving consistent and optimal performance with balancing conflicting requirements across multiple functionalities. However, addressing this challenge, a single composite nanofibers membrane has been successfully fabricated, demonstrating effective antibacterial activity, waterproofing properties, and excellent electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption. The multifunction composite nanofibers (CNFs0.6-Co@Fe3) exhibited remarkable microwave absorption performance, with a reflection loss (RL) of 29.10 dB at 15–20 GHz and a thickness of 1.5 mm. Additionally, the nanocomposite displayed flexibility, hydrophobicity with a water contact angle larger than 95° and low surface energy, and significant antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli (E. coli). These multifunctional nanocomposites offer a unique combination of outstanding EM wave absorption, cost-effective fabrication, environmental friendliness, and lightweight characteristics, holding great promise for future applications in nanocomposite products.

Functional upcycling of waste PET plastic to the hybrid magnetic microparticles adsorbent for cesium removal

Accumulation of mismanaged plastic in the environment and the appearance of emerging plastic-derived pollutants such as microplastics strongly demand technologies for waste plastic utilization. In this study, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) from waste plastic bottles was directly utilized to prepare a matrix of an adsorbent for cesium (Cs+) removal. The organic matrix of PET-derived oligomers obtained by aminolysis depolymerization was impregnated with bentonite clay and magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs), playing the roles as a major adsorptive medium for Cs+ removal and as a functional component to primarily provide efficient separation of the hybrid adsorbent from aqueous system, respectively. The obtained hybrid composite microparticles were next tested as an adsorbent for the removal of Cs+ cation from aqueous solutions. The adsorption process was characterized by fast kinetics reaching ca. 60% of the equilibrium adsorption capacity within 5 min and the maximum adsorption capacity toward Cs+ was found to be 26.8 mg/g. The adsorption process was primarily dominated by the cationic exchange in bentonite, which was not significantly affected by the admixture of the competing mono- and divalent cations (Na+, K+, and Mg2+). The proposed approach here exploits the sustainable utilization scenario of plastic waste-derived material to template complex multifunctional nanocomposites that can find applications for pollution cleaning and environmental remediation.

Improved Immune Response for Colorectal Cancer Therapy Triggered by Multifunctional Nanocomposites with Self-Amplifying Antitumor Ferroptosis.

Ferroptosis, as a type of regulated cell death, can trigger the release of damage-associated molecular patterns from cancer cells and lead to the enhancement of immune recognition. Fenton reaction-mediated chemodynamic therapy could initiate ferroptosis by generating lipid peroxides, but its efficiency would be greatly restricted by the insufficient H2O2 and antioxidant system within the tumor. Herein, this work reports the successful preparation of H2O2 self-supplied and glutathione (GSH)-depletion therapeutic nanocomposites (Cu2O@Au) through in situ growth of Au nanoparticles on the surface of cuprous oxide (Cu2O) nanospheres. Upon delivery into cancer cells, the released Cu2O could consume endogenous H2S within colorectal cancer cells to form Cu31S16 nanoparticles, while the released Au NPs could catalyze glucose to generate H2O2 and gluconic acid. The self-supplying endogenous H2O2 and lower acidity could amplify the Cu ion-induced Fenton-like reaction. Meanwhile, the consumption of glucose would reduce GSH generation by disrupting the pentose phosphate pathway. Additionally, the Cu2+/Cu+ catalytic cycle promotes the depletion of GSH, leading to lipid peroxide accumulation and ferroptosis. It was found that the onset of ferroptosis triggered by Cu2O@Au could initiate immunologic cell death, promote dendritic cell maturation and T-cell infiltration, and finally enhance the antitumor efficacy of the PD-L1 antibody. In summary, this collaborative action produces a remarkable antitumor effect, which provides a promising treatment strategy for colorectal cancer.

The construction of COFs functionalized CRISPR electrochemical sensor for ultrasensitive detection of bacteria by hyper-branched rolling circle amplification

Rapid, sensitive, and low-cost foodborne pathogens detection is crucial for dealing with foodborne diseases caused by bacteria. In this work, we designed a new CRISPR/Cas9-mediated electrochemical biosensor for ultrasensitive detection of Escherichia coli (E. coli) based on multifunctional covalent organic framework-based nanocomposite (GOx-AuNPs-COF-H2) and hyperbranched rolling circle amplification (HB-RCA) reaction. When specific DNA targets were present in the system, the targets could be recognized and cleaved by CRISPR-Cas9 system, which triggered strand displacement reaction (SDR) and HB-RCA reaction. By introducing GOx-AuNPs-COF-H2 nanocomposite, H2 probe could hybridize with RCA products to bind to the electrode surface. After added glucose solution, GOx could catalyze it in the detection system and thus offered significant current signals for bacteria detection. This approach showed high analytical performance for assay of E. coli with the detection limit (LOD) of 10 CFU/mL. Furthermore, real samples were detected by this approach, demonstrating its promising potential for foodborne pathogens detection in food monitoring and clinical diagnosis.

Mechanical behavior of graphene quantum dot epoxy nanocomposites: A molecular dynamics study

Quantum dot fillers were reported to enhance stiffness, yield strength, and toughness of polymers. However, the underlying mechanisms for these enhancements are unclear. In this study, for the first time, molecular dynamics simulations were performed to reveal the effects of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) on epoxy properties. Mechanical simulations revealed that addition of a single-layer graphene quantum dot with six reactive amine groups enhanced the epoxy yield strength by 17% and stiffness by 6%; whereas pristine GQDs reduced the strength by 6% and stiffness by 10%. The results show the importance of surface chemistry of GQDs towards the intelligent design of strong, tough, and multifunctional nanocomposites.

Study of structural and dielectric properties of blended poly (vinylidene fluoride) and poly(methyl methacrylate) multifunctional nanocomposites doped with nano-SnO2

Study of structural and dielectric properties of blended poly (vinylidene fluoride) and poly(methyl methacrylate) multifunctional nanocomposites doped with nano-SnO2

Debundling and reorganization of CNT networks under high temperature treatment

Highly purified and uniformly distributed carbon nanotube (CNT) network is one of the key issues for developing advanced nanocomposites. However, the challenge for mitigation of the aggregation of CNT bundles during the CNT film fabrication still remained. In this work, debundling and reorganization of CNT bundles have been realized simultaneously by using a high-temperature thermal treatment. The debundling of large CNT bundles into small ones started after they were heat treated under 1400 °C and uniformly distributed CNT networks with small bundles were obtained after heat treated under 1800 °C. The tensile strength of the CNT film significantly increased by about 64% compared to the pristine film. Microstructural observations showed that the iron nanoparticles started to evaporate at 1400 °C and were completely removed at 1800 °C. Hollow amorphous carbon shells wrapped on the nanoparticles were left inside the CNT networks after the removal of the iron nanoparticles. Interestingly, these amorphous carbon shells act as carbon source for the deposition of a carbon layer on the CNT surface when the heat treatment temperature was up to 2000 °C, and they were completely consumed after being treated at 2800 °C. The microstructural evolution process of CNT bundles during heat treatment suggests the simple high-temperature treatment strategy could be applied for fabrication of highly purified CNT networks with well-distributed small bundles, enabling the development of advanced multifunctional nanocomposites in the near future.

Novel multifunctional nanocomposites containing graphitic carbon nitride/silanized Nb2O5 nanofillers for the protection of steel surfaces in the automobile industry

The inorganic nanofiller niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) was altered with [3-(2-aminoethylamino)propyl]trimethoxysilane (AEPS) and the resulting AEPS/Nb2O5 was encased with graphitic carbon nitride (GCN) in pure epoxy resin (EP). The protection performance of mild steel coated with epoxy in the presence of various concentrations of GCN encapsulated in silanized Nb2O5 was investigated using electrochemical techniques in a marine environment. A limiting oxygen index (LOI) test showed that GCN/AEPS-Nb2O5 considerably enhanced the flame retardancy properties of the epoxy coating. The PHRR and THR values for EP-GCN/AEPS-Nb2O5 significantly decreased by 81 % and 69 %, respectively, compared to those of pure EP, showing that the material is more flame-retardant. The results of salt spray tests showed that the addition of GCN/AEPS-Nb2O5 enhanced corrosion protection and reduced water absorption. Even after 960 h of exposure to seawater, epoxy-GCN/AEPS-Nb2O5 exhibited increased coating resistance of 8.99E9 Ω.cm2, according to the EIS measurements. According to SECM research, coated steel made of the EP-GCN/AEPS-Nb2O5 nanocomposite has the lowest degree of ferrous ion dissipation (1.0 I/nA). According to the FE-SEM/EDX results, the decomposition products of silanized GCN were enhanced, generating a sturdy inert nanolayered coating. To prevent ions from penetrating the specimen, EP-GCN/AEPS-Nb2O5 crystallizes into a strong, inert coating, has greater adhesive strength, and can endure prolonged immersion without losing its integrity. Therefore, the EP-GCN/AEPS-Nb2O5 nanocomposite could act as a viable coating component in the automobile industry.

Simple thermal treatment to improve the MRI and magnetic hyperthermia performance of hybrid iron Oxide-Mesoporous silica nanocarriers

The design of multifunctional nanocomposites (NCs), incorporating a variety of controllable properties from nanostructured materials, spans their applicability as nanotools in biomedical applications. Santa Barbara Amorphous (SBA-15) mesoporous silica has showcased remarkable capabilities, ranging from bone regeneration to drug delivery. Its synergy with magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) further broadens its scope as a theranostic agent, seamlessly integrating both therapeutic and diagnostic functions. However, efficiency issues arise due to MNP anchoring, necessitating novel solutions for optimization. This study focuses on enhancing the magnetic properties of hybrid iron oxide-SBA-15 mesoporous silica NCs through a simplified thermal procedure. The aim is to optimize their magnetic performance for dual functionality as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and as effective heaters in magnetic hyperthermia (MH) processes, while preserving the cylindrical mesoporous structure, high surface area, and high loading capacity compared to conventional ceramics. The investigation highlights that the impact of heat treatment on physicochemical properties varies depending on the compositions of the NCs. Specifically, the transversal relaxivity in MRI was doubled, accompanied by an enhanced Néel contribution in MH. This enhancement was achieved while maintaining the same biocompatibility as non-treated NCs, as demonstrated in evaluations with two cancer cell lines (HeLa and T-731 astrocytes), revealing low toxicity at concentrations up to 200 μg/mL.

Cellulose Nanostructures as Tunable Substrates for Nanocellulose-Metal Hybrid Flexible Composites.

Nanocomposite represents the backbone of many industrial fabrication applications and exerts a substantial social impact. Among these composites, metal nanostructures are often employed as the active constituents, thanks to their various chemical and physical properties, which offer the ability to tune the application scenarios in thermal management, energy storage, and biostable materials, respectively. Nanocellulose, as an emerging polymer substrate, possesses unique properties of abundance, mechanical flexibility, environmental friendliness, and biocompatibility. Based on the combination of flexible nanocellulose with specific metal fillers, the essential parameters involving mechanical strength, flexibility, anisotropic thermal resistance, and conductivity can be enhanced. Nowadays, the approach has found extensive applications in thermal management, energy storage, biostable electronic materials, and piezoelectric devices. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly correlate cellulose nanocomposites' properties with different metallic fillers. This review summarizes the extraction of nanocellulose and preparation of metal modified cellulose nanocomposites, including their wide and particular applications in modern advanced devices. Moreover, we also discuss the challenges in the synthesis, the emerging designs, and unique structures, promising directions for future research. We wish this review can give a valuable overview of the unique combination and inspire the research directions of the multifunctional nanocomposites using proper cellulose and metallic fillers.